Fluminense Hold Firm to Advance and Fly the Brazilian Flag
Fluminense held their nerve in a tense 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, sealing a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 and continuing Brazil’s perfect record at the tournament.
The South African side came into the match needing a win to progress — and for stretches, they looked the more dangerous team. But despite their attacking intent, Mamelodi Sundowns couldn’t break through a well-organised Fluminense defence.
The result sends Sundowns home, but not without winning admirers for their spirited campaign. As for Fluminense, the goalless draw was enough to book their place in the knockouts, joining fellow Brazilian clubs in advancing beyond the group stage. Remarkably, all four Brazilian teams in the tournament have now reached the next phase — a statement of strength from South America’s footballing powerhouse.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns - Fluminense 0:0
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams Ro.; Kekana; Cupido (Lebusa, 60); Mudau; Lunga; Mokoena (Adams J., 46); Ribeiro (Shalulile, 76); Allende; Matthews (Sales, 60); Zwane (Lethlaku, 85); Rayners
Bench: Onyango Denis; Pieterse; Khoza; Modiba; Morena; Mvala; Aubaas; Maema; Mkhulise
Yellow Cards: Mokoena 11; Lethlaku 96
Fluminense: Fábio; Samuel Xavier; Ignácio; Renê R.; Freytes; Hercules (Bernal, 68); Martinelli Matheus (Lima, 76); Nonato (Thiago Silva, 86); Canobbio (Keno, 69); Arias J.; Cano (Everaldo, 86)
Bench: Eudes; Fuentes G.; Guga; Manoel; Thiago Santos; Ganso; Lezcano; Lavega; Paulo Baya; Serna
Yellow Cards: Arias J. 88; Bernal 89; Renê R. 95
